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Canadiens Rumoured To Have Interest In Young Blueliner

While the Montreal Canadiens have been as silent as can be in both the free-agent and trade markets, at least when it comes to finalizing deals, GM Kent Hughes has been busy putting pen to paper with the team’s young players. There was no urgency in signing Ivan Demidov and Jakub Dobes on paper. They still had a year left on their deal, but taking care of those contracts a year in advance means the Canadiens no longer have to worry about them. Demidov wouldn’t have been eligible for an offer sheet next season, but Dobes could have been, and the situation the Anaheim Ducks find themselves in right now is a cautionary tale if ever there was one.

Their budding first-line center, Leo Carlsson, has signed an offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers for an $18 million cap hit. Cutter Gauthier is an RFA, and while he cannot sign an offer sheet, he is no doubt closely monitoring the Carlsson situation. Defenseman Pavel Mintyukov is an RFA as well, but like Carlsson, he could sign an offer sheet, and several teams are reportedly interested, including the Canadiens, according to David Pagnotta.

Canadiens Players Are Not Taking It Easy
Top-Scoring American Players With The Montreal Canadiens
Shots Fired In The NHL, Canadiens And Hughes Safe In Their Culture-Built Bunker

That seems rather surprising considering that Mintyukov is a left-shot defenseman, something the Canadiens are definitely not lacking. Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, Mike Matheson, Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj are all lefties, just like Adam Engstrom, who’s knocking on the Canadiens’ door and has seen enough AHL action.

However, it was clear in the playoffs that Martin St-Louis didn’t have much trust in Xhekaj and Struble. If the Habs can find a right-shot defenseman to play alongside Hutson, Guhle would go back to the left side, and neither of them would have to be used. But that’s proven to be a tough challenge.

If the Canadiens were to go for Mintyukov, it would certainly mean more movement. The 22-year-old was the 10th overall pick at the 2022 NHL draft, and in three NHL seasons, he has put up 69 points in 204 games while averaging 18:04 of ice time. There’s no denying that he has a lot of talent and potential, but is he what the Canadiens need? He does have a game that’s more rugged than Mike Matheson or Noah Dobson; he has landed 82 hits this past season after landing 81 and 85 in his first two seasons.

With the Ducks currently dealing with the fallout of the Carlsson offer sheet, it would be another for GM Pat Verbeek if another team were to offer sheet Mintyukov, which may make him amenable to a sign-and-trade deal for the blueliner, who’s yet another client of Gold Star agent Dan Milstein. Could Verbeek be willing to send the talented blueliner to Montreal in exchange for another left-hand defenseman and some futures? That remains to be seen, but acquiring Mintyukov without unloading another left-shot defenseman wouldn’t make sense for the Canadiens.

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Cardinals vs Cubs Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Chicago Cubs will be looking to avoid the sweep this afternoon, and they're healthy -150 favorites to do so.

Given Chicago's recent form against left-handed pitching, I'm backing the home team with my Cardinals vs. Cubs predictions and MLB picks.

Who will win Cardinals vs Cubs today: Cubs moneyline (-150)

Matthew Liberatore is having a miserable season across the board. He owns a 5.34 ERA, and his xERA of 5.55 is even higher, ranking him in the ninth percentile league-wide.

He’ll have his hands full against the Chicago Cubs. They've feasted on lefties over the past five weeks, slotting first in wOBA, ISO, and OPS. This is a great spot for their offense to awaken.

While the St. Louis Cardinals also have a solid matchup against Javier Assad, he excels at inducing grounders, and the Cards rank first in GB% over the past month.

Back Chicago to -160.

Covers COVERS INTEL:Matthew Liberatore owns a -17 pitcher run value, putting him in the second percentile.

Cardinals vs Cubs Over/Under pick: Over 8 (-105)

After back-to-back duds offensively, the Cubs are primed to get back on track. They have hit .279 vs. lefties since June 1 while ranking first in almost every major power category.

Even with 11 mile per hour winds blowing in, they should be able to string together extra base hits against Liberatore.

Assad sits in the 23rd percentile in xERA and the second percentile in hard hit rate. He’s allowing a lot of quality contact, and the Cardinals — who are fourth in wOBA vs. righties on the road over the last month — are likely to capitalize.

Bet to -115.

Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 50-40, -1.00 units
  • Over/Under bets: 48-38-4, +5.44 units

Cardinals vs Cubs weather

Temperatures in the low 70s are expected with the wind blowing in. Boost to the pitchers.

Cardinals vs Cubs odds

  • Moneyline: Cardinals +130 | Cubs -150
  • Run line: Cardinals +1.5 (-155) | Cubs -1.5 (+135)
  • Over/Under: Over 8 (-105) | Under 8 (-115)

Cardinals vs Cubs trend

The Cubs have cashed the moneyline in 15 of the last 21 games for +7.45 units and a 26% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Cardinals vs. Cubs.

How to watch Cardinals vs Cubs and game info

LocationWrigley Field, Chicago, IL
DateSunday, July 5, 2026
First pitch2:30 p.m. ET
TVPeacock
Cardinals starting pitcherMatthew Liberatore
(4-5, 5.34 ERA)
Cubs starting pitcherJavier Assad
(6-1, 4.53 ERA)

Cardinals vs Cubs latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Juan Soto voted NL All-Star starter

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 04: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets celebrates with Gilbert Gomez #65 after reaching first base on a single during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 4, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Juan Soto was officially voted to the National League All-Star team yesterday. Soto was voted a starter and finished second in votes among NL outfielders, trailing only Philadelphia’s Brandon Marsh. He will join Marsh and Andy Pages in the outfield and will presumably start in left.

Soto enters play today with a .296/.404/.560 slash line after going 1-for-4 in last night’s ugly 14-3 loss. Soto leads all National League hitters in OPS (.964), OBP (.404) and wRC+ (163) and has 18 home runs, 39 runs scored, and 41 runs batted in over 70 games played this season.

This will be the first time he’s been selected to the All-Star team as a Met. Last year, Soto got off to a slow start, which sunk his chances at making the team (despite putting up solid numbers heading into the break. Soto rebounded to finish third in NL MVP voting. This is Soto’s second time being voted an All-Star starter and his fifth nod overall. He also became the youngest player to be voted to the All-Star team for four different teams.

Unsurprisingly, Soto is the lone Met to make the team (at least for now). Luke Weaver probably had the strongest case among other Mets players, but middle relievers generally are low on the list for All-Star consideration. There is always the chance another a player could be added to the roster down the road as players withdraw from the game.

As a final bit of Soto news, he did express interest in participating in the Home Run Derby, saying, “I don’t know. I don’t know. I’ve definitely been thinking about it. We’re still thinking. Philadelphia, it seems like it’s going to be fun. But I will see. I will see.”

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Nightmare road trip continues for Padres with another loss to Dodgers

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 04: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres wears a USA 250 patch as he prepares to bat during the game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The San Diego Padres could not find an answer for Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the result was a 3-0 loss at Dodger Stadium that extended the San Diego losing streak to eight games. The Padres had a promising start to the first inning when Fernando Tatis Jr. singled to start the game and Gavin Sheets singled later in the inning to put runners on the corners with two outs. Ty France came to the plate and struck out swinging on three pitches and that proved to be the beginning of the end for San Diego.

The Padres managed just two additional hits over the next eight innings, with only one of those being allowed by Yamamoto. The Dodgers right-hander completed seven innings, allowing a total of three hits with two walks and 10 strikeouts. The third hit allowed by Yamamoto came in the top of the second inning when Xander Bogaerts singled to open the inning.

The final hit for San Diego came in the top of the eighth inning when Tatis hit a two-out double of Brock Stewart. Alex Vesia came in from the Los Angeles bullpen to face Jake Cronenworth and recorded a strikeout to end the inning, stranding Tatis at second base. Tatis finished the game 2-for-4 as the leadoff hitter, while Cronenworth and Manny Machado the second and third hitters in the Padres lineup both finished the game 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.

The pitching did what it needed to do and kept San Diego in the game. Wandy Peralta opened the game with a scoreless inning before giving way to Griffin Canning. The right-hander pitched four innings, allowing one run on two hits with two walks and four strikeouts, which was one of his better outings of the season especially against a potent Los Angeles lineup albeit without Shohei Ohtani. Kyle Hart allowed a run in two innings of work and that came in the form of a solo home run from Freddy Freeman. Mason Miller, who has not had regular work throughout this losing streak, pitched the eighth inning and hit the leadoff batter who advanced to second on a ground out. Miller then allowed a single to Freeman and the Dodgers scored their third run of the night.

The Padres will have a chance to break their losing streak and avoid a sweep today at 4:20 p.m.

Padres News:

  • Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune believes the Padres should consider trading Miller if their freefall in the standings continues.
  • With Freddy Fermin on the IL for concussion protocol after another foul ball off his facemask, the Padres were in need of a catcher, and they welcomed back Luis Cammpusano off the IL.

Baseball News:

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Random Thoughts about the Leo Carlsson offer sheet, Pavel Mintyukov and Shane Wright

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 06: Leo Carlsson #91 of the Anaheim Ducks shoots the puck during the first period against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on May 06, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Zak Krill/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

About once every 15 years the Flyers go crazy with an offer sheet. In 2012, it was for Shea Weber to a $110 million contract for 14 years. Nashville would match that, but go on to trade Weber soon after.

The Flyers were back in the lab, concocting a scheme to make Leo Carlsson the highest paid player in the NHL at the age of 21, before he even has a 30-goal or 70-point season under his belt. And so it will be, with Carlsson making $18 million annually for the next five years, either with Philadelphia or Anaheim if they take the poison pill and match – as their previously promised would happen.

It’s an interesting move that has turned the hockey world on its head. The Flyers needed to do something bold and a franchise player is about the only piece missing for their young core. It takes a massive overpay to have a chance to poach another team’s restricted free agent, and no one can say they didn’t take that big swing. They’ll hope/expect their next four first round picks that they’d send to Anaheim if they don’t match would all be out of the lottery and down towards the end of the draft. If so, the high trade price isn’t that bad.

The Ducks have long been playing with fire with their young players. Getting contracts out of Anaheim has often been pulling teeth – Mason McTavish, Jamie Drysdale and Trevor Zegras have all been without contracts when training camps have started in recent years (it’d be inaccurate to call it a hold out, when they don’t have a contract in the first place). This team drags their feet to suppress salary as long as they can, which now ironically has come back to bite them big time and ruin their whole cap structure. The lesson to other teams is clear: don’t forget what the second word in RFA means (free), let your young star players hit restricted free agency at your own peril. Anaheim has learned that lesson today.

Anaheim could be in more trouble, the sharks (not the NHL team but the whole league) are reportedly circling now that there’s blood in the water.

The Penguins traded their 2027 third round pick in the deal to acquire Hendrix Lapierre. That takes away a lot of this summer’s offer sheet ability (which goes to show the expectation/plan didn’t include much by way of trying offer sheets), but Pittsburgh

AFP and Evolving Hockey has Mintyukov’s projected salary at $3.4ish million AAV if it goes two years on a bridge deal. Another team could put further strain on Anaheim’s position if Mintyukov agreed to a short-term deal worth $4.775 million. The Ducks might have cap space to match – they’d still have $20m in room if they match Carlsson’s deal – but they do still have the non-offer sheet eligible Cutter Gauthier to sign and round out a blueline that lost talent.

On the whole, it wouldn’t make since for ANA to let Mintyukov go if it cost $4.775 million to match, regardless of what happens with Carlsson, but now they’re exposed to answering questions a team would rather not have to answer. If an NHL team really wanted Mintyukov, they would have to do what the Flyers did and go strong – offer him in the $7 million range for five years (requiring a first and third round pick transferred to Anaheim). Forcing the issue and raising the stakes to wildly high proportions is the way to go in order to accomplish the goal.

The Pens don’t have their third round pick, and perhaps no interest in giving up a future first, so they will be sitting those proceedings out. They’ll surely be interested observers in seeing what happens with Carlsson – and pulling hard for Anaheim to match and keep their young star player.

—

Another situation to watch: Shane Wright.

The fourth-overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, Wright just completed his second full season, with 12 goals and 27 points in 74 games. As the trade deadline approached, his name was out there, particularly in Seattle’s attempt to land Artemi Panarin. (Panarin was laser-focused on Los Angeles, with many teams — not only the Kraken — unable to bribe him elsewhere.)

Wright’s still available, and there’s motivation to make it work, although disagreement on the commitment.

“I can confirm that we have had positive conversations with GM Jason Botterill, and he has agreed to move Shane this summer to a team in need of a top young centre,” Wright’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, said Wednesday.

Botterill would not comment. Other executives who’ve spoken to Seattle said there’s obviously an agreement between team and agent to work together, but the Kraken made it extremely clear they expect a fair price and won’t be pressured into anything they don’t want to do. In other words, they are making no guarantees. 

Shane Wright checks every box for the type of players that the Penguins target these days for being a young player, with talent that still needs to truly blossom. Targeting or identifying the players is one thing, actually acquiring them is another. Seeking a “fair price” for a 22-year old former fourth overall pick that has scored 71 points in the NHL in the last two seasons – and still barely scratched the surface of what could be unlocked presents a tricky scenario.

Surely Seattle isn’t going to let that guy go for cheap, he has breakout potential and they’ve invested a lot in him. At the same time, finding a buyer to pay a premium for what’s been an uneven career naturally is going to be a tough ask.

It’s worth watching for the Penguins, they have a ton of forwards on the NHL roster now but could always use a 22-year old center with significant upside for the present and future. Whether or not they have the right assets to make a deal with the Kraken, plus the interest in parting with whatever that right deal is, could be anyone’s guess.

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Lakers vs Heat California Classic preview: Hoping for a better showing

After an underwhelming debut in this year’s California Classic tournament, the Lakers look to bounce back against the Miami Heat on Sunday. This is their first game of a back-to-back with the finale against the San Antonio Spurs taking place on Monday.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat

When: 1:30 p.m. PT, July 5

Where: Chase Center

Watch: ESPN, League Pass, Prime Video

The Lakers opened their summer campaign with a rather forgettable performance. Not only were they blown out by the Golden State Warriors on Friday night, but they looked exactly like a team that just played a basketball game together for the first time. Thankfully, they won’t have to dwell on that loss for long.

To be fair to the Lakers’ first game of the summer, it wasn’t all that bad. The biggest positive takeaway was how this year’s 24th pick in the NBA Draft performed. Cameron Carr wasted no time in proving his potential. The 21-year-old from Baylor University put up 19 points in 23 minutes, showing signs that he is indeed NBA-ready.

As for Adou Thiero, well, let’s just say he had an off night, but it certainly wasn’t for a lack of effort. It seemed like he forced a lot of possessions and it didn’t help that his shots weren’t going in either. On top of that, he also had a bad fall in the second quarter, but the sophomore confirmed that he’s alright. Hopefully, we see him bounce against the Heat like the rest of the team.

Speaking of the rest of the team, Coachella Valley Lakers forward Arthur Kaluma — who tallied 12 points, six rebounds and two blocks— performed well. But outside of him, nobody really played great. There was a clear lack of floor general and proper execution, which should be cleaned up as this team continues to play together.

On Sunday, the Lakers will face a Heat team that’s coming off a thrilling 88-87 victory against the San Antonio Spurs. Their 37th overall pick this year, Ryan Conwell, scored 21 points in his debut and had some help from the likes of Jahmir Young and Trevor Keels. The Lakers will have their hands full again in this one.

But hopefully Los Angeles responds with a stronger all-around team effort in this one and gives us more reason to be excited about this year’s Summer League. Let’s see if they can do just that on Sunday.

Notes and Updates

  • As of now, there are no injuries to report on the purple and gold side.

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.

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Yankees recall RHP Angel Chivilli from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre

Prior to their game on Sunday against the Minnesota Twins, the Yankees recalled RHP Angel Chivilli from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Chivilli, 23, appeared in two games for New York in April before hitting the injured list due to shoulder discomfort. He was then activated on June 11 and optioned to Triple-A.

The right-hander has pitched in 12 games (one start) for the RailRiders, owning a 1.08 ERA over 16.2 innings with 17 strikeouts.

In his two major league appearances this season, Chivilli allowed one earned run over 2.1 innings (3.86 ERA) with three strikeouts.

He was acquired by the Yankees from the Colorado Rockies on Jan. 28 in exchange for 1B T.J. Rumfield. Chivilli pitched in 73 games for the Rockies across the 2024 and 2025 seasons, going 1-5 with a 7.06 ERA across 58.2 IP last year.

 

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Ex-Knick Mitchell Robinson reveals how he injured hand before NBA Finals: ‘Broke down in tears’

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Mitchell Robinson dunks against the Spurs during Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Image 2 shows Mitchell Robinson practicing with his hand wrapped during the NBA Finals, Image 3 shows A close-up look at Mitchell Robinson's wrapped right hand

Former Knicks center Mitchell Robinson finally revealed Sunday morning how he broke his hand before the NBA Finals, stating he banged on one of his trucks after learning his brother had been in a car accident.

Robinson, who signed a three-year, $47.4 contract with the rival Celtics in free agency after helping the Knicks win their first NBA championship in 53 years, fractured the fifth metacarpal in his right hand after the team defeated the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals and underwent surgery.

He didn’t miss any games and played in the Finals with his hand wrapped.

The 28-year-old detailed how he got hurt in a Facebook post.

Mitchell Robinson practicing with his hand wrapped during the NBA Finals. Jason Szenes for The New York Post
A close-up look at Mitchell Robinson’s wrapped right hand. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

“I would like to address the concerns regarding my finger, which was actually my knuckle,” Robinson began. “To provide some context, I had been dealing with personal issues, relationship problems, and internal struggles, which affected my performance on the basketball court. In this league I simply follow the instructions given to me y’all have seen videos of everything I’m very capable of doing. Moving forward to the Eastern Conference finals, after our victory in Cleveland, everything seemed to be going well. We were celebrating our achievement, but for me, things took a turn for the worse.

“As many of you know, I am a compassionate and private person who enjoys listening to country music. Without going into details about my upbringing, I am extremely protective of my siblings, whom I care for deeply. Upon returning to New York, I received an unexpected phone call, and my family members contacted me, informing me that my youngest brother had been involved in a car accident. I did not see the messages until I arrived home late that night. As the eldest sibling, I felt a deep sense of concern, and I immediately went into panic mode. I began returning calls and texts, and when I FaceTimed my brother, I thought he was deceased. He was wearing a neck brace, unresponsive, and not speaking.

“I broke down in tears, feeling like a failure for not being able to protect my siblings. Being 910 miles away, I felt helpless. In a moment of frustration, I banged my hand on my truck. As many of you know, I have a deep affection for my trucks, but my siblings and daughter are my top priority. Before judging someone, it is essential to understand their circumstances, which may not be publicly known. Life is unpredictable, and it is how we respond to challenges that truly matters.

Mitchell Robinson dunks against the Spurs during Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

“After consulting with doctors, I was able to gain the confidence in myself to go in and get the job done and WE DID 2026 NBA CHAMPS.so at the end of the day I battled with so much throughout this season even made a huge sacrifice to not see my daughter as much this season because I needed to focus and lock in so she can have a better future than I did.”

While Robinson’s minutes were limited as the Spurs used the Hack-a-Mitch strategy against the poor free-throw shooter, Robinson was impactful when he was on the court.

He successfully defended Victor Wembanyama at the end of Game 2 as the Spurs star missed the final shot attempt of the game to put the Knicks up 2-0 in the series.

With owner James Dolan not wanting the Knicks to enter the second apron, they couldn’t afford to retain Robinson, who will now try to usurp his former team with hated Boston.

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Carlos Carrasco returns, JR Ritchie optioned

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 27: Carlos Carrasco #59 of the Atlanta Braves delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on May 27, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Paul Rutherford/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Atlanta Braves have selected pitcher Carlos Carrasco to the active roster and optioned pitcher JR Ritchie to Triple-A. Ritchie pitched three innings an notched his first career save – of the three inning variety – last night.

Carrasco has pitched in seven games with the Braves this season and has been through the “designated for assignment, outrighted, opts for free agency, minor league contract, selected to active roster” cycle five times so far this season. He’ll give Atlanta another long-man option for today’s game.

As for Ritchie, he was able to save the bullpen by soaking up three innings in Atlanta’s 14-3 blow-out of the Metropolitans last night.

A reminder that the Braves play at 12:30PM today, in an earlier-than-normal Sunday start.

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Pete Crow-Armstrong is the Cubs’ only All-Star

Major League Baseball chose Saturday evening to announce this year’s All-Star teams — an odd time, in my view, the evening of a holiday — and Pete Crow-Armstrong made the NL All-Star team for the second straight season. Last year he was an elected starter; this year he’ll be a reserve outfielder.

Here’s what PCA said about the honor, in this Tribune article by Meghan Montemurro:

“Nice to get the nod from the baseball world,” Crow-Armstrong said after the Cubs’ 3-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals at foggy Wrigley Field. “Having the fan vote get me in last year is obviously special, just felt like I was able to reach the baseball world as a whole.

“But when it’s internal like this, knowing how hard this game is and how hard a lot of guys are working on a daily basis, that means a lot to me just ’cause first and foremost I want their respect as much as I want to go and compete and beat everybody. The best compliment you can get as a baseball player is someone in the other uniform’s respect. … I don’t want to compare this year to last year, but it really means a lot coming from this stage of the voting.”

And some praise from his manager, also quoted in that article:

“In Pete’s case, what’s fun to watch is that there’s something in every part of the game that he’s able to do,” manager Craig Counsell said Saturday. “And he also does it — he’s not some huge person that does it. He’s a pretty normal-sized person that can do it. I think that also creates a connection with fans. And he’s an entertainer. … He loves that part of it. He’s good at it. He’s naturally wired to do it. So you get a lot of it.”

This honor comes just a day after PCA was named NL Player of the Month for June, in which he put together these numbers:

In 26 games in June, PCA batted .381/.468/.781 (40-for-105) with five doubles, two triples, 11 home runs, 20 RBI, 21 runs scored, 17 walks and eight stolen bases (no caught stealing).

He was also named NL Player of the Week twice during the month.

The 2026 All-Star Game will be played Tuesday, July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia and will be televised on Fox-TV.

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Sunday morning Rangers things

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 04: Ben Peoples #70 of the Texas Rangers pitches during the seventh inning of his Major League debut in the game against the Detroit Tigers at Globe Life Field on July 04, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good morning, folks…

The Texas Rangers fell to the Detroit Tigers last night by a score of 3-0.

Jacob Latz was named to the American League All Star team.

Latz is the lone player from the Rangers to be named to the All Star team.

The DMN shows the video of Latz learning he has made the All Star team.

Jack Leiter talks about his ankle surgery and how the ankle issue was affecting his delivery.

David Laurila has his Sunday Notes column up at Fangraphs.

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Phillies on the Pharm: 7/5/2026

Andrew Painter of the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs pitches during a Minor League Baseball game at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, United States, on June 28, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images

There were some fireworks on the farm, so let’s check how they did.

Rochester 2, Lehigh Valley 1

Andrew Painter had the start on the night and did quite well for the IronPigs. In his six innings, he allowed on a lone run and struck out six. The velocity on his fastball was good, averaging 97 mph, while the shape of it was still just so-so. He got only four swings and misses on the fastball on the night, so he’s still having some trouble missing bats. It’s probably going to be a while before he makes it back to the majors.

Don’t worry, there’s not much else to talk about regarding this game.

Reading 5, New Hampshire 3

Bryan Rincon went two for three and Pedro Leon added a three run home run to lead the offense over the Fisher Cats. Rincon has had a surprisingly successful season considering where his season was last year and how far his prospect star had fallen. By this point, he’s probably a good bet to be a successful bench bat should he ascend to the majors. Those are valuable players. On the pitching side, Alex McFarlane had two innings of work on the night and gave up almost nothing, striking out three. Are the Phillies testing him with different situations in hopes that he can contribute this season?

Jersey Shore was cancelled

Clearwater 7, Ft. Myers 3

Continuing to board the Ferre-Bus, the team’s catching prospect homered again for the Threshers, joining with Griffin Burkholder, who scored three runs at the top of the lineup, to give Clearwater the victory. Sean Youngerman gave them five innings of a solid start, only surrendering three runs on the night and striking out three.

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Mariners News: Randy Arozarena, Brendan Donovan, and Nick Kurtz

Jul 4, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) hits a grand slam home run during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images | Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Good morning and happy hangover Sunday to everyone! I hope everyone still has all their fingers and ate and drank responsibly. Who ate the most hot dogs? I had none, because I was at my day job all day so that’s a nice low bar for everyone to clear.

The Mariners celebrated 4th of July be beating the brakes off of the Toronto Blue Jays 11-0 thanks to a dominant start by Logan Gilbert, and massive homeruns from Randy, Dom, and Cal. Emerson Hancock will take the ball in the series finale at 2:00 PST on Peacock.

In Mariners news…

Around the league…

  • The full All-Star rosters are available here. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has already announced that he will not participate in the festivities, meaning Nick Kurtz will slot in as the starting first baseman for the American League.
  • An emotional Willson Contreras spoke to the media before yesterday’s Red Sox-Angels game, apologizing for his actions that led to a benches clearing brawl in Boston on Tuesday, and opening up about his mental and emotional struggles over the last couple weeks following the horrible earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24th.
  • The Atlanta Braves made a handful of roster moves yesterday, including recalling Bainbridge Island product JR Ritchie from Gwinnett and placing infielder Ha-Seong Kim on the IL with finger inflammation.
  • The Houston Astros also made some roster adjustments yesterday.

Nick’s pick…

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Braves Minor League Recap: Herick Hernandez K’s 8

The action in the Atlanta Braves system on the 4th of July was nearly cut in half due to rain and power issues cancelling three of the seven games on the slate. Of the four games on the schedule to get played the Braves teams lost the first three, and needed a late inning comeback to win the game that finished last. Still we got to see Herick Hernandez and Davis Polo look dominant, as the two combined for 34 whiffs on the day, and homers from Brewer Hicklen along with the first of Edelson Cabral’s young career.

Durham Bulls 7, Gwinnett Stripers 2

  • Brewer Hicklen, RF: 1-3, HR, BB, R, 2 RBI, .301/.370/.509
  • Brett Wisely, 2B: 0-1, 3 BB, R, .296/.408/.440
  • Hayden Harris, RP: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K, 4.13 ERA
  • Rolddy Munoz, RP: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 2.30 ERA

Box Score

Statcast

Durham got to Elieser Hernandez early in this one, scoring two in the first and another in the second, though he was able to get the Stripers through two more innings without giving up any additional runs. Anderson Pilar followed, and was hit hard – giving up four runs on three homers in his inning of work. That’s when the bullpen finally showed some life in this one. Hayden Harris was the third pitcher and over two scoreless innings he stuck out five batters, before Rolddy Munoz struck out the side in the eighth and final inning. Harris picked up eight whiffs, while Munoz had five.

After the Bulls scored early the Stripers were never able to get back into this game, as the offense just didn’t show up. A two-run homer by Brewer Hicklen, his 14th of the season, was able to cut it to 3-2 in the top of the third – but the team managed just three hits. Hicklen’s homer and walk and Brett Wisely’s three walks and run scored were the only real standouts, though Luke Williams picked up a double and Jose Azocar added a single.

Columbus Clingstones 4, Knoxville Smokies 3

  • Ambioris Tavarez, 2B: 2-5, 2B, R, .194/.311/.327
  • Patrick Clohisy, CF: 0-4, BB, R, 2 SB, .259/.336/.437
  • Herick Hernandez, SP: 5 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, 2.80 ERA

Box Score

Herick Hernandez’s stuff was dominant in this win for the Clingstones, though they needed to come from behind in the seventh to earn that win. Hernandez went five innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits and two walks. He also struck out eight with 16 swings and misses, bringing his ERA to 2.80 and K/9 up to 12.0. Owen Hackman picked up the win in two scoreless innings of relief, with the save going to Luis Vargas after two scoreless frames of his own.

The Clingstones had plenty of offense in this one, and it’s a little surprising that they only scored four runs – other than the fact that they left so many runners on base. As a team they had 10 hits, six walks, and three stolen bases. Ambioris Tavarez went two for five with a double and scored a run, while he was joined by Tyler Tolve (2-3, 2B, BB, RBI), Luke Waddell (2-5), and Jordan Groshans (2-5, R) with a multi-hit game. Will Verdung also walked, doubled, batted in two, and scored a run in the win. While Patrick Clohisy didn’t come up with any hits, he walked, stole two bases, and scored a run.

Rome Emperors vs Jersey Shore BlueClaws – Cancelled

The day after the Friday night game was called early due to issues with power, Saturday’s game was cancelled altogether.

Salem RidgeYaks 1, Augusta GreenJackets 0

  • Juan Mateo, 3B: 1-3, BB, SB, .277/.355/.375
  • Alex Lodise, SS: 1-4, .255/.340/.475
  • Davis Polo, SP: 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, 3.72 ERA

Box Score

Davis Polo threw a gem on the 4th, going five and two thirds and allowing a run on just four hits and a walk. Polo struck out eight and racked up a total of 18 whiffs in his 83 pitch outing. Cristobal Abreu followed, and quickly got himself into a little trouble with a pair of walks before finishing off the final out of the sixth inning. After two scoreless innings from Logan Forsythe, Daniel Brooks pitched the final inning without allowing any more damage.

The offense never got going in this one, picking up just two hits in the shutout. Juan Mateo had one of those hits, and a walk and a stolen base – but also got picked off as well. Alex Lodise had the only other hit in the loss. Among the other notable prospects Luis Guanipa and Cody Miller were each hitless in four at bats, while Conor Essenburg was hitless in one at bat before leaving the game two innings after being hit by a pitch.

FCL Braves vs FCL Rays – Suspended

This one was suspended in the top of the second, tied 0-0. The game is set to be finished on July 10th. Of note Manuel Campos singled in his first inning at bat, then stole second – his 22nd steal of the season.

DSL Rays 18, DSL Braves 7

  • Sherrintely Da Costa Gomez, LF: 1-5, 3B, R, RBI, .338/.451/.585
  • Edelson Cabral, DH: 1-4, HR, BB, 2 R, RBI, .294/.429/.397
  • Geowin Gomez, RP: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 1.64 ERA

Box Score

This was a rough pitching performance by the Braves squad. The final line was 9 IP, 11 H, 18 R, 9 ER, 17 BB, 10 K – yes that is accurate, 17 walks in this game. It also didn’t help to see three errors, four wild pitches, and a hit by batter, but the Rays squad was constantly on base. The bright spots for the pitching staff was three and a third one run innings from Geowin Gomez, two and a third scoreless from Wilmer Almonte, and two scoreless from Giovanni Medina.

The big story here would have to be the first career homer from Edelson Cabral, who also walked and scored twice while running his OPS up to .826. Sherrintely Da Costa Gomez continued his strong season by adding a triple, run scored, and one batted in, while Jose Nelo was three for five with a double and two runs batted in. Durban Arnedo added a double, while Jose Manon was hitless in four at bats, Elioberto Mondesir went one for three with a pair of walks, and Jorwin Pulido walked and scored a run in two plate appearances.

DSL Braves vs DSL Rays – PPD

The actual game for Saturday was cancelled due to lightning.

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Mets promote reliever Guillermo Zuñiga from Triple-A Syracuse

The Mets promoted reliever Guillermo Zuñiga from Triple-A Syracuse ahead of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Braves, SNY MLB Insider Chelsea Janes confirmed.

In a corresponding move, RHP Joey Gerber was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.

Zuñiga, 27, signed a minor league contract with New York on May 5 and has pitched to a 3.29 ERA over 14 appearances in Double-A and Triple-A.

He was dominant with Binghamton over nine games (1.93 ERA), but had a 6.23 ERA in five games (4.1 IP) with Syracuse. 

The right-hander last played in the majors in 2024 with the Los Angeles Angels. He appeared in 15 games with the Angels, owning a 5.09 ERA with two saves over 17.2 IP.

For his MLB career, including two games with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2023, Zuñiga has a 5.03 ERA with 16 strikeouts and two saves over 19.2 IP.